Advice on exam technique based on experience and examiners reports.

Most exam papers are marked using a coded system. The method described here is common and makes use of M, A and B marks. In general examiners will not penalise any candidate unduly for any one specific error; however if you use the wrong method to solve a problem you are likely to lose most, if not all, of the available marks.
You will need a calculator (apart from any papers or modules where no calculating aids are permitted) and make sure you know all the formulae not given in the formula book

How examiners mark papers

Marks are awarded in the first place for knowing a correct method of solution and attempting to apply it (M marks).

In general no accuracy marks (A marks) can be obtained until a valid method has been established. Accuracy marks may be given for the correct answer only (c.a.o.) or for answers correctly followed through from an incorrect previous answer.

Method marks cannot be lost for arithmetic errors. Sometimes, e.g. in curve sketching, marks are awarded independently of method marks; these are called B marks.

Care is taken in marking schemes to see that a slip does not attract an excessive penalty. Nevertheless, high grades cannot be achieved on method marks alone and accuracy is essential for the award of higher grades.

Orderly and logical presentation is of considerable advantage to candidates in making the best use of their time. However, long methods are not directly penalised as candidates using methods have already penalised themselves by using up the time that could have been more profitably spent on other questions.

General advice

Manage your time. Time to complete the paper seems to be the single most important issue

Examiners advise that you should write down any appropriate formula before attempting to use it as this provides evidence of correct method

Start each question on a fresh page, writing each step on a new line.

Show your methods clearly. Remember that 'answers without working may gain no credit'.

"Trial and error" is rarely the right method, meaning that you will not get method marks

Make sure you give answers to the required accuracy, but avoid rounding anything off until you get to the final answer

When you've finished a question, read it again quickly to check you've done the right thing

Understand "examiner's speak" - see the table below

You'll need to get at least 30 marks roughly on any paper to pass it

Many candidates find that they are unable to start some questions at all and so score zero for it - see the table below

Examiner's speak

write down, stateYou'll get the mark even if you show no working or method